UKPSC Upper PCS Mains Syllabus 2025: Paper-wise Complete Syllabus for All 8 Papers

Last Updated: April 18, 2026 | Source: Official UKPSC Upper PCS Notification | psc.uk.gov.in

Candidates who have successfully cleared the Preliminary examination are now eligible to appear for the UKPSC Mains exam. The Mains stage is the most crucial part of the UKPSC selection process as it carries a total of 1500 marks in written examination alone — making it the primary deciding factor in your final merit list. Understanding the complete syllabus before you begin preparation is not optional, it is the foundation of a smart strategy.

Candidates who qualify the UKPSC Upper PCS Preliminary Examination appear for the Mains stage which consists of 8 descriptive papers carrying 1500 marks. The Mains is the primary merit-deciding stage of the selection process. General Hindi is qualifying in nature with a minimum of 35 percent required, while the remaining seven papers contribute directly to the final merit. This page covers the complete paper-wise syllabus as per the official UKPSC notification

The UKPSC Mains examination consists of 8 descriptive papers. Unlike the Prelims which is objective in nature, every paper in the Mains requires written answers which test the depth of your understanding, analytical thinking and expression ability. Out of these 8 papers, General Hindi is qualifying in nature with a minimum of 35 percent marks required, while the remaining papers contribute directly to the merit. After the written examination, candidates who qualify are called for the Interview/Personality Test which carries 150 marks, taking the grand total to 1650 marks.

Quick Overview

The Mains exam consists of 8 descriptive papers with a total of 1500 marks. Each paper is of 3 hours duration. For complete paper-wise marks breakdown, marking scheme and detailed pattern analysis check the complete UKPSC Mains Exam Pattern. The Mains exam is scheduled from April 27 to 30, 2026 — check the complete day-wise paper schedule on the UKPSC Mains Exam Date. Natural reading flow — candidate sees 8 papers, 3 hours each, immediately wants to know which paper falls on which day.

Papers	Total Marks	Duration
8 Descriptive Papers	1500	3 Hours Each
Interview	150	–
Grand Total	1650	–

UKPSC Mains Syllabus Paper-wise

The UKPSC Mains examination consists of 8 descriptive papers. Below is the complete paper-wise syllabus as per the official UKPSC notification.

Paper 1 — General Hindi (सामान्य हिन्दी)

Maximum Marks: 150 | Duration: 3 Hours

This paper tests the command of candidates over the Hindi language at High School level. The minimum qualifying marks required in this paper is 35 percent for all category candidates.

Topics and Mark Distribution:

Topic	Marks
शब्द-रचना (Upsarg, Pratyay, Sandhi, Samas, Vachan, Ling, Vyakran, Kriya, Visheshan etc.)	15
शब्द-विवेक — (a) शब्द-भेद: Tatsam, Tadbhav, Deshaj, Videshi, Shankar, Rudh, Yaugik, Yogrudh, Paryayvachi, Vilom, Anekarthi, Samuhvachi etc. (b) शब्द-शुद्धि	15
वाक्य-रचना: Vakya Parivartan (Saral, Mishr, Sanyukt), Viram Chinh, Vakya Shuddhi, Slogan Lekhan	15
मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ (Arth evam Vakya Prayog)	10
पत्र लेखन (Anaupcharik evam Aupcharik Patra)	15
(a) प्रतिवेदन लेखन	10
(b) हिन्दी के प्रशासनिक शब्दों का अंग्रेजी अनुवाद	10
बोधन (Apathit Avataranh par Bodh-Prashn)	15
सार लेखन / सारांश / संक्षेपण	15
पल्लवन (Prasiddh Sutron, Vaakyon, Suktiyon, Kahavaton ki Vyakhya)	10
हिंदी अवतरण का अंग्रेजी में अनुवाद	10
अंग्रेजी अवतरण का हिन्दी में अनुवाद	10

Paper 2 — Essay (निबंध)

Maximum Marks: 150 | Duration: 3 Hours

This paper consists of three sections — A, B and C. Candidates must write one essay from each section of 700 to 800 words in their opted language. Maximum marks for each essay is 50.

Essays are evaluated on five parameters: accuracy of language and grammar, rendering of original thoughts, multi-dimensional understanding of the subject, systematic and logical presentation, and clarity of expression.

Section A:

Literature and Culture
Social Sphere
Political Sphere
Economic Sphere: Agriculture, Industry and Trade

Section B:

Science, Environment and Technology
Science, Environment and Technology
Natural Calamities: Landslide, Earthquake, Deluge, Drought etc.
National Development Programmes and Projects

Section C (Uttarakhand Focused):

Social Structure of Uttarakhand
History, Culture, Art and Literature of Uttarakhand
Economic and Geographic Scenario of Uttarakhand, Tourism and Migration
Environment, Disaster and Disaster Management in Uttarakhand
Women Empowerment in Uttarakhand

Paper 3 — General Studies I

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

Indian culture covering salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History from the middle of the eighteenth century to the present — significant events, personalities and issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the World — events from the 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism and their effects on society
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organizations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization and their remedies
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism.
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent; factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world including India.
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.; geographical features and their location; changes in critical geographical features including water bodies and ice caps; and their effects on flora and fauna

Paper 4 — General Studies II

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures — structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts; powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry — the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection of these vulnerable sections.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/services relating to Health, Education and Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters; transparency and accountability and institutional measures.
Role of civil services in a democracy.
India and its neighbourhood — relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Indian diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora — their structure and mandate.

Paper 5 — General Studies III

(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting
Major crops and cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System — objectives, functioning, limitations and revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology Missions; economics of animal rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India — scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India
Effects of liberalization on the economy; changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models
Science and Technology — developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; environmental impact assessment.
Disaster and Disaster Management
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges; basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.
Security challenges and their management in border areas — linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Paper 6 — General Studies IV

(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

This paper tests the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity and probity in public life. Questions may use the case study approach to assess problem-solving ability. The following broad areas are covered:

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships; Human values — lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for civil service — integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Emotional Intelligence — concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in public administration: status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government; Right to Information; Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; Work culture; Quality of service delivery; Utilization of public funds; challenges of corruption.
Case Studies on above issues

Paper 7 — General Studies V

(Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand — History, Society, Culture and Polity) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

History of Uttarakhand: Prehistoric period, Proto-historic period, Major archaeological sites, Ancient tribes of Uttarakhand, Kunindas and Yaudheyas, Katyuri dynasty, Parmar dynasty in Garhwal (Rule, Administration, Society, Economy), Chand dynasty of Kumaon (Rule, Administration, Society, Economy), Gorkha invasion and administration.

British Rule in Uttarakhand: Administrative System, Land Revenue, Forest Management, Economy, Education and Health System, Growth of Vernacular journalism, Tehri State — Rule, Administration, Society, Economy, Religion and Culture, National Movement, Prominent Freedom Fighters, Merger of the Tehri State.

Popular Movements in Uttarakhand: Coolie Begar Movement, Dola Palki Movement, Chipko Movement, Anti-Liquor Movement, Social Reformers of Uttarakhand, Anti-princely Tehri State Movement, Movement of separate Uttarakhand state and its immediate and long-term consequences.

Society and Culture of Uttarakhand: Family, Marriage and kinship system, Caste system and caste mobility, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in Uttarakhand, Rural Power Structure, Urbanization and Industrialization, Folk Songs, Folk Dance and Craft, Prominent Folk singers and artists, Musical instruments, Paintings, Costumes, Food habits, Religious places and Temples, Fairs and Festivals, Dialects and craft of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand State — Political, Local Administration and Public Policy: Political System in Uttarakhand, Party Politics, Regional Parties, Pressure groups.

Administrative System: Structure of the state government, Cabinet and Departments, Administrative Agencies, District and Tehsil level Administration, State Public Service Commission, Lok Ayukta, State Vigilance Agency, Local Self Government in Uttarakhand, Nature of urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions, State Finance Commission, State Election Commission.

Public Policy in Uttarakhand: Good governance, Citizen’s Charter and e-governance, Prevention of corruption, Lok Pal and Lokayukta, Right to Information, Right to Education, Right to Service, Women Empowerment, MNREGA, Soldier’s Welfare and Rehabilitation, Important Ayog in Uttarakhand.

Current Events in the context of Uttarakhand state

Paper 8 — General Studies VI

(Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand — Geography, Economy and Development) Maximum Marks: 200 | Duration: 3 Hours

Geography of Uttarakhand: Location, Extent and Strategic Importance, Structure and Relief, Climate, Drainage System, Natural Vegetation, Soil, Glacier, Lake and Climate Change, Resources — Forest, Water, Minerals and Land, Agriculture, Irrigation, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Industry, Transport — Road, Rail and Air, Hydro-electric Projects, Water Scarcity and Solution, Tourism — Problems and Prospects, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Population: Growth Rate, Density, Distribution, Sex Ratio, Literacy, Migration — Pattern, Problem and Solution, Rural Settlement — types and patterns, Urbanization and cities, Smart City, Tribal Habitat, Human Development Index.

Economy of Uttarakhand: Main features of the state’s economy, Natural Resources — Water, Forests, Minerals, Economic profile — State domestic products and its components, Per Capita Income, Major sources of income including Agriculture, Horticulture, Medicinal Plants, Forest products and Tourism.

Industrial Development: State MSME Policy, Large, Medium, Small, Cottage and Handicraft Industries, Investment scenario, Problems and Possibilities.

Infrastructure: Physical — Road, Rail and Air Transport, Banking and financial Institutions, Education, Health, Energy, Communication, Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Economic Planning and Policies: State annual plans, Development Programmes, Schemes and Policies, Decentralized Planning — Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.

Public Finance: Revenue receipts, State Taxes, Public Expenditure, Uttarakhand’s Budget.

Major Economic Problems: Poverty, Migration, Natural Disasters, Environmental Degradation.

Welfare Programs: Youth, Child and Women welfare programs, Poverty alleviation programs, MNREGA, Food and Civil supply, Soldiers welfare and rehabilitation.

Disaster Management: Nature, types and effect of Important Factors of natural disaster and efforts to reduce it, Denudation, Earthquake, Cloud-burst, Forest Fire, Drought and Avalanche, Difficulties in Disaster Management, Ecological-Sensitive areas, Role of NDRF and SDRF, Disaster Management Act 2005, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Disaster and impact due to anthropogenic activities, Efforts of Uttarakhand Government.

Human Resource and Community Development in Uttarakhand: Employment and Development, Human resource management and its indicators in Uttarakhand, Nature and types of unemployment problem, Uttarakhand Government schemes, Rural development and community development schemes.

Education: Role of education in human resource development and social change, System of education in Uttarakhand — problems and issues including universalization and professionalization, Education for women and socially/economically deprived sections and minorities, Right to Education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and National Secondary Education Abhiyan in Uttarakhand, Status of higher, technical and professional education in Uttarakhand.

Health: Health care system in Uttarakhand, National Rural Health Mission and other related schemes, Health and Nutrition, Food Security Act.

UKPSC Mains Interview / Personality Test

Candidates who qualify the Mains written examination are called for the Interview/Personality Test.

Detail	Information
Total Marks	150
Purpose	Assess general suitability, character, communication, decision-making
Focus Areas	General awareness, intelligence, current affairs, governance, ethics

The interview panel assesses candidates’ views on social issues, approach to problem solving and readiness to assume the responsibilities of civil service.

UKPSC Mains Syllabus PDF Download

The official UKPSC Mains Syllabus PDF is available on the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission’s official website.

→ Download Official UKPSC Mains Syllabus PDF (psc.uk.gov.in)

Always refer to the official PDF for the most accurate and latest syllabus. The syllabus above is based on the official Upper PCS document issued by UKPSC.

Candidates appearing in the April 2026 Mains exam should download their Admit Card from the UKPSC Mains Admit Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many papers are in UKPSC Mains?

The UKPSC Mains exam consists of 8 descriptive papers. These cover General Hindi, Essay, General Studies I through GS VI, with each paper carrying either 150 or 200 marks.

Q2. What is total marks of UKPSC Mains?

The total marks of UKPSC Mains written examination is 1500. Adding the Interview/Personality Test of 150 marks, the grand total comes to 1650 marks.

Q3. Is General Hindi a qualifying paper in UKPSC Mains?

Yes. General Hindi (Paper 1) is qualifying in nature. Candidates of all categories must score a minimum of 35 percent marks in this paper to qualify.

Q4. How long is each paper in UKPSC Mains exam?

Each paper in the UKPSC Mains examination is of 3 hours duration.

Q5. What is GS Paper V and GS Paper VI in UKPSC Mains about?

Both General Studies Paper V and Paper VI are focused on the Knowledge of State of Uttarakhand. GS V covers History, Society, Culture and Polity of Uttarakhand while GS VI covers Geography, Economy, Disaster Management and Human Resource Development of Uttarakhand.

Q6. What is the marks weightage of Interview in UKPSC?

The Interview/Personality Test carries 150 marks in UKPSC. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of combined marks of Mains Written Examination (1500) and Interview (150).

Q7. Is there negative marking in UKPSC Mains exam?

No. The UKPSC Mains examination is descriptive/subjective in nature. Negative marking applies only in the Prelims examination, not in Mains.

Q8. When is UKPSC Mains exam 2025 scheduled?

The UKPSC Mains exam 2025 is scheduled for April end 2026.